The Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai are said to be “Alaskan Huskies in miniature”. Unlike Alaskan Huskies, however, this is a purebred dog that has been around since the 1980’s and is currently recognized by the UKC as well as AKC’s FSS program. The name Klee Kai means “little dog” in Eskimo and plays true to form for this little spitz. The breed comes in three sizes – toy, miniature and standard, and even the tallest standard should never go over 17.5 inches. A natural showman who enjoys being watched by his family, this companion dog enjoys being the center of attention!

Klee Kai are affectionate toward their families but more guarded when it comes to those whom they don’t know. They also may take a little extra time to warm up and gather their bearings in strange situations or places. When at home, they are alert and are good little watchdogs ready to sound the alarm when a stranger comes to the door. Tending to form close bonds with their owners, they prefer to be in the company of “their people” as much as possible. This is not a dog that can be thrown outside all day and expected to entertain themselves alone. While they enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities… they enjoy being outside with YOU! As with all highly social breeds, they can develop separation anxiety and are not good candidates for people who spend most of the day working.

The AKK has a few particular traits that prospective owners should be aware of. First, like many of his spitz relatives, he can be an escape artist. Once he gets out, he can run faster than one might expect! It’s therefore important to make sure the yard is secure and escape-proof. Extra precautions may be needed to make sure this is so, as some are even able to open crates, gates and door handles. P.S…. Struggling to find the right crate? The Petmate Vari Kennel is designed with your AKK’s comfort in mind – https://amzn.to/3B3CUE6

Next, the breed is known for their curious sounds! Instead of barking, he will also “talk” which includes a mixture of murmuring, yowling, yodeling, singing… and the occasional screaming when he doesn’t get his way! Take note, he may not be the best choice for a thin-walled apartment complex. Finally, despite being a companion breed he does have some prey drive and needs to be kept on a leash when not in a fenced area.

Alaskan Klee Kai are intelligent and take well to all sorts of training when the owner/trainer is consistent. As with most northern spitz breeds they may also require a bit of patience. While they learn readily they are also apt to put their own spin on things when they get bored. A sense of humor is recommended! This said, owners of AKK have been successfully competing in a number of dog sports including agility, nosework, lure coursing, dock diving, obedience, conformation, therapy work, weight pull, carting, trick dog and freestyle – quite the feat considering that this is still a rare breed with relatively low numbers! These dogs enjoy being given tasks to do, especially when they can use their brains and bodies to solve puzzles.

One of the distinctive physical features of the Klee Kai is his symmetrical and contrasting facial mask and body markings. Colors include black/white, gray/white or red/white. The coat is a double coat that sheds continuously and profusely. It’s important to brush him a couple times a week in order to naturally pull the dead hair out. Nails should be trimmed regularly but the coat itself does not need to be trimmed (and should never be shaved – it serves to insulate from both cold and heat!). This little dog doesn’t have a strong doggy odor and doesn’t need to be bathed that frequently unless desired (or is being shown).

The AKK is an energetic little fellow who needs daily exercise. Although this is a companion breed never used for working purposes, his background includes several breeds that required lots of stamina and energy in order to do their jobs. As such, he himself has a medium-high energy level and definitely benefits from regular outings. Despite his small size, this is a great candidate for hiking, swimming, kayaking and camping! While he doesn’t necessarily require this degree of exercise, he does enjoy it and will be ready to go as long as he is built up to it. A daily walk or similar type of activity will suffice as well, which means that he can be a good match even for an active elderly individual. With zero exercise, he can be destructive so any potential owner must commit to a certain amount of regular exercise with the dog.

Alaskan Klee Kai are generally healthy, however responsible breeders are making sure to screen for particular health issues including autoimmune thyroiditis, patellar luxation, eye disorders and a bleeding disorder called Factor VII.  Prospective owners are urged to only buy from those that run all the tests recommended by the breed club! While still a rare breed with a mostly responsible base, there are a few “bad apple breeders” trying to make a quick buck… which means skipping the health tests. Run, don’t walk, away from anyone who doesn’t screen! When bred and raised correctly, most individual dogs live 15-16 years.